It was given to me as a 21st present some years ago, and apart from the odd repair job or straight stitching some curtains it hasn't had a lot of use. It looks like this:
I had previously been having a lot of trouble with the machine's cryhole, until I actually opened it properly and found a knot of thread big enough to garrote a leprechaun. 1st lesson in sewing kids - cleanliness is next to godliness.
I was lucky enough to catch up with a sister over Easter, and we sat down and ran over the basics of machine care, settings, repairs, threading, consumables and all the other bits and pieces you need to know when you're starting out sewing. While I'm not a complete rookie, it was great to have a refresher in machine use - especially when the last machines I used with any regularity with industrial walking foot straight stitchers used to upholster curtain side trucks.
She bought out my Mum's sewing machine, so I could have a go with it and ask any questions.
I have vivid memories as a child going to sleep with the sound of Mum at her machine working until all hours of the night on bits and pieces of clothing for us kids. So it's with a large amount of nostalgia that I'm taking up this occupation. I feel it's a nice nod to Mum and my history to be making things in my home for my children.
My Mum was an incredibly talented dressmaker, and with no formal training at all she was able to pull amazing pieces of clothing out of thin air. Most patterns made herself carefully drawn on newspaper with a vivid marker.
I think the prime example of my Mum's sewing prowess was when she created my wedding dress in a short week before my wedding:
This is my work space:
Because of the size of my house and the fact that it's shared by 3 other people I can't leave my machine set up all the time, but for now it's easy enough to set it up and pack it up from my kitchen table. My Mum had a dedicated sewing room with a large cutting table, and I can definitely see the appeal in that, but at this stage the kitchen table is fine. It's a nice work space in the center of the home, the light is pretty good, the table is a good size and the adjustable chair means I can work comfortably.
I have noticed a couple of presses on my occupation though:
Mum! What are you doing? Mum? Mum? I'm tangled up in something! Now you're yelling! oh god run away run away! oops just spewed that cotton you growled at me about......
So with a car full of treasures found at the Waitati bus stop, and a Pinterest board full of hope, I'm off on my occupational adventure. Wish me luck!
